Mandaue senior citizens receive Christmas gifts

Ninety-one-year-old Milagros Ouano looks forward to Christmas.

She gets excited  because of the parties, financial assistance and goodies she knows she’ll receive as a resident of barangay Banilad,  Mandaue City.

She happily received a gift pack yesterday from government representatives.

“Luoy man pud ming mga tiguwang na kay wala na mi trabaho, sige pa mi og kasakit. Maayo lang kung datu pero kung pobre pait kayo, mao nga husto ra usab ang gibuhat sa atong gobyerno nga hatagan mi og mga benepisyo (We, the elderly, are in a pitiful state because we don’t have work and we often get sick. Life is better for the rich, but not the poor,  so it’s good that the government gives us  benefits,” said Lola Milagros.

Senior citizens of barangay Banilad gathered Thursday morning for a Christmas party sponsored by Provincial Board Member Thadeo “Teddy” Ouano with his daughter Mandaue City Councilor Lollypop Ouano-Dizon, his father former Mandaue City mayor Alfredo “Pedong” Ouano and Glenn Soco.

Around 170 senior citizens received gift packs of dry goods, umbrellas and calendars.

Some  received cash prizes for winning parlor  games.

PB  Member Ouano  challenged  Mandaue City officials to pass a resolution increasing the financial assistance for senior citizens to P15,000 per year and to provide  other benefits.

Jose “Jo” Sausa, 88,  almost misssed the party because he was informed late after their association president got hospitalized.  He was  also happy to receive gifts.

Banilad has 800 registered senior citizens but not everyone could make it.

The Ouano family hosts a party for  senior citizens every Christmas.

“This is our way of  giving thanks for the blessings that we have received,” said Councilor Dizon. /CORRESPONDENT NORMAN V. MENDOZA